Maanzo: Corruption Thrives in Counties
They warned that while devolution aimed at taking services and resources closer to the people, it has created new opportunities for embezzlement
The two leaders called for comprehensive strategies to combat graft in government at all levels. They warned that while devolution aimed at taking services and resources closer to the people. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has raised concern over the war against corruption in county governments. He believes the vice has become as deep at the county level as it has become at the national level.
In a TV interview on Tuesday, August 13, 2025, Maanzo said corruption was “devolved” alongside governance. He continued that this had made it more difficult to combat the vice at the county level.
“Corruption was decentralized, therefore, the war on corruption is not effective at the county level,” he said.
The senator argued that unless there are robust systems, checks, and accountability, counties will be repeating the same errors that have infected institutions at the national level for decades.
Murang’a Deputy Governor Stephen Munania agreed with Maanzo’s view. In his opinion, corruption is a problem at the national level and it affects both levels of government.
“Corruption has been a continuing problem in Kenya. It exists in the national government and in the devolved systems since their establishment,” Munania explained. “It has been a major impediment to development and good governance.”
The two leaders called for comprehensive strategies to combat graft in government at all levels. They warned that while devolution aimed at taking services and resources closer to the people, it has created new opportunities for embezzlement of public funds.
They called on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to ramp up work in the counties. They observed that political interference must not affect investigations and prosecutions.
The leaders also called for increased county budget, procurement, and project implementation transparency.
Maanzo added that corruption not only erodes service delivery but is also detrimental to public trust. This, he added, opens a broad gap between people and their leaders.
Munania added further that graft can only be fought through collective efforts by the national and county governments, along with members of the public. Citizens must hold their leaders accountable.
Kenya’s devolution system, as provided for in the 2010 Constitution, was hailed as a leap forward toward more equal development. However, critics have always warned that unless there are adequate checks and balances, county governments will become mini-centres of corruption.
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